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Luke McAlister - Source: Photosport -
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Brendon Leonard and Luke McAlister have been named as the All Blacks inside pairing while Chiefs flyer Lelia Masaga will make his debut in the one-off Test match against Italy in Christchurch on Saturday.
McAlister gets his chance to cement the first five-eight spot ahead of the Tri Nations after the injured Stephen Donald, who has a hamstring strain, was widely criticised for his performance in the 14-10 second Test win against France.
McAlister came off the bench in both Test matches against France but has only had one start, with the Barbarians against the Wallabies, since arriving back from a stint with English club Sale.
After an injury plagued Super 14 campaign Leonard missed the Chiefs' final run with a torn hamstring. His return should provide the All Blacks with more impetus on attack after Jimmy Cowan was found wanting with his delivery at certain times during the shared Test series with the French.
Masaga will make his Test debut on the right wing alongside Josevata Rokocoko, with 26-year-old Canterbury and Crusaders loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett making his first Test start in the front row alongside Keven Mealamu and John Afoa.
The other key feature of the starting XV is the return from injury of Ali Williams who has recovered from an Achilles injury and will be playing in his 62nd Test match.
Meanwhile, Isaia Toeava is at centre combining in the midfield
with Ma'a Nonu after incumbent Conrad Smith was not considered
because of injury.
The loose forward trio of Jerome Kaino, Tanerau Latimer and Kieran
Read is unchanged, while Brad Thorn again starts at lock alongside
Williams.
Canterbury and Crusaders tighthead prop Owen Franks, called into the All Blacks as prop cover, comes onto the reserves bench, together with fellow front rowers Aled de Malmanche and Tony Woodcock, while Isaac Ross, George Whitelock, Piri Weepu and Cory Jane are also on the bench.
The team will again be captained by fullback Mils Muliaina, who will become the fifth most capped All Black in history in his 71st Test.
Smith and prop Neemia Tialata, who are carrying injuries following the French Test, were not considered for selection.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry isn't underestimating Italy despite their 2-0 series defeat to Australia.
"We are looking for continued improvement after our win over
France, but we know that the Italians will be as well after their
two losses to Australia, so it will be another physical Test",
Henry said in a statement.
All Blacks:
1. Wyatt Crockett, 2. Keven Mealamu, 3. John
Afoa, 4. Brad Thorn, 5. Ali Williams, 6. Jerome Kaino, 7. Tanerau
Latimer, 8. Kieran Read, 9. Brendon Leonard, 10. Luke McAlister,
11. Josevata Rokocoko, 12. Ma'a Nonu, 13. Isaia Toeava, 14. Lelia
Masaga, 15. Mils Muliaina (capt)
Res: 16. Aled de Malmanche, 17. Tony Woodcock, 18. Owen Franks,
19. Isaac Ross, 20. George Whitelock, 21. Piri Weepu, 22. Cory
Jane
